No more double standards on terror: PM Modi at SCO summit

In the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other global leaders at the SCO summit in Tianjin, Modi described terrorism as a “shared challenge to humanity” and pressed the SCO states to act with “unity, consistency and determination.”

“It is natural to ask: can the open support to terrorism by some countries be acceptable to us? We must state clearly, and in one voice, that terrorism in any form, in any manifestation, will not be tolerated,” he said, in a pointed reference to Pakistan.

India has blamed a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy outfit, The Resistance Force (TRF), for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre.

Modi called the attack “not just an assault on India’s conscience, but an open challenge to every nation that believes in humanity,” underscoring the urgency for collective action.

The Prime Minister reminded leaders that India has endured “merciless terrorism” for over four decades, leaving countless families devastated. "We must state it clearly and in one voice: double standards on terrorism are unacceptable. Together, we must oppose terrorism in every form and manifestation. This is our responsibility towards humanity," he said.

Praising the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Modi said India this year led a joint information operation against Al-Qaeda and affiliated groups, underscoring its commitment to strengthening counter-terror cooperation within the bloc.

Speaking after Modi's speech, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Shariff said they were "determined to defeat terrorism" with the cooperation of the world and the SCO countries. In an apparent reference to India putting the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance, Shariff called for "unhindered access" to due share of water as per existing treaties among the SCO member states.

Meanwhile, Modi underlined that projects such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor would strengthen India’s links with Central Asia and Afghanistan.

At the same time, he cautioned that “every connectivity effort must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a remark seen as a veiled reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which India has refused to endorse even in the joint signed Tianjin declaration. "Connectivity that by-passes sovereignty loses trust and meaning," Modi said.

Highlighting the theme of opportunity, Modi recalled how India, during its SCO presidency in 2023, had introduced new areas of cooperation — from start-ups and digital inclusion to youth empowerment, traditional medicine, and shared Buddhist heritage. He also proposed the creation of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO to showcase ancient civilisations, art, literature, and traditions on a global stage.

Linking India’s domestic reform agenda to international cooperation, the Prime Minister said, “We are advancing with the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform. These reforms are opening new avenues not only for India’s development but also for global partnerships. I invite all of you to be part of India’s developmental journey.”

On global governance, Modi urged SCO members to collectively push for reform of the United Nations, saying it was “grave injustice to confine the aspirations of the Global South within outdated frameworks”. He added, “We cannot show the colourful dreams of a new generation on the black-and-white screen of the past. The screen must change.”

Welcoming the SCO’s plans to establish new centres to address challenges such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security, Modi said the grouping was “evolving with the times” and must continue to strengthen its role in safeguarding peace, stability and inclusive growth in the region.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their national days and extended best wishes to Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, who will take over as the next SCO Chair.